The Imposter: A Variants Novel

Teenage Tessa is a “variant,” meaning she’s a mutant with special powers—in her case, the ability to take on the appearance of anyone she touches. Rejected by her mother for her “freakish” ability, she is now a member of a secret government agency that sends her to impersonate Madison—the victim of a serial killer—in order to crack the case. Narrator Emily Rankin proves perfect for the role of Tessa, conveying the character’s conflicted feelings: the desire to do a good job on her first assignment, the fear of being the killer’s next victim, and, most of all, a yearning to remain Madison, basking in the love of the girl’s unsuspecting parents. Rankin makes Tessa an authentic, sympathetic character whom listeners will root for and relate to. She differentiates the other characters well, deepening her voice for the male characters and changing her tone for the various female ones—conveying all the characters’ emotions believably. Ages 12–up. A Razorbill hardcover. (May)